Orienteering run
made to measure
The phone goes in the bag and the map comes out. Sporty, against the clock, with navigation as the skill that counts.
Navigating is the task here, not the means of transport
In an orienteering run, each team gets a map with checkpoints marked on it and a compass, and nothing else. The checkpoints are in the terrain and have to be found in the right order. The clock keeps running, so a wrong turn costs points straight away.
With every other route format we run, finding the way is the lead-up to the task. Here, finding the way is the task. That changes behaviour within a team: within ten minutes a discussion about the route starts, and someone naturally emerges who makes the call.
What we bring with us
You provide the group and a meeting point. The equipment comes from us, so nothing needs to be bought or borrowed.
- Maps of the area, with the checkpoints marked differently for each team
- Compasses and a fifteen-minute briefing with a practice checkpoint
- Checkpoints that we set out beforehand and collect again afterwards
- Timing per team and a result at the end
Which groups this works for
An orienteering run suits groups who want something sporty without it turning into a sports day. Teams of three to six people work best, because in a larger group half drop out at the map reading. From about twelve years old it can be done independently; below that, an instructor walks along with each team.
We set out the run in woods, heathland or a large park. If there is no suitable terrain nearby, we look for one that fits the group size and the distance you have in mind.
The difference from the other trails
The orienteering run is the only format where the clock decides the ranking and the phone stays away. A GPS route is the digital counterpart: there the screen shows the way and the challenge lies in the tasks at the points.
If you want to walk as little as possible and do a lot of thinking, have a look at the puzzle trail. And if you are looking for something where the group has to find its way back without a map, a dropping (Dutch night-time orienteering game) is the format that fits.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to be able to read a map for an orienteering run?
You don't need to be able to read a map, because the briefing beforehand takes fifteen minutes and that is enough to get started. We begin with a short practice checkpoint close to the start, so that every team has felt once how map and compass work together before it really counts.
How physical is an orienteering run?
An orienteering run is as physical as the group makes it. The distance is usually between three and six kilometres, and walking is as welcome as running. Because time counts, sporty teams naturally go faster, while a team that walks calmly can still win on navigation.
Do the phones really go away?
The phones stay in the bag, and with this format that is the whole point. Navigating on paper asks something different of a group than following directions: people have to discuss which way to go, and someone has to make the call. For emergencies, every team does carry a phone and our number.
How much does an orienteering run cost?
An orienteering run with maps, compasses, checkpoints and instructors starts at €195. We bring the equipment, so you don't need to buy anything. After the first conversation you will receive a firm price.
Tell us about your plan
Interested in an orienteering run? Fill in a few details and we will send a price estimate within 1 working day.
An orienteering run for your group
Tell us how many participants, what level and which surroundings, and we will send a proposal.